Cannondale's SuperSlice: A Time Trial Bike Like No Other
The fastest time trial bike we've ever made - Cannondale's SuperSlice finally gets the attention it deserves. But is it truly revolutionary, or just another time trial bike in the crowded market? Let's dive into the details and find out.
For years, the Cannondale SuperSlice has been a rare sight on the UK time trial scene, often overshadowed by more established icons like the Specialized Shiv, Pinarello Bolide, and Giant Trinity. However, with the launch of the second-generation SuperSlice Disc, Cannondale is making a bold statement. This bike is not just an upgrade; it's a game-changer, designed to push the boundaries of time trial performance.
A Bike Like No Other
The new SuperSlice is a seamless integrated chassis, offering more control in the TT position thanks to its highly adjustable cockpit layout. It features clearances for up to 32mm tires, a UDH rear dropout, and a BSA threaded bottom bracket. Cannondale's Senior Design Engineer, Dr. Nathan Barry, emphasizes the bike's focus on speed, achieved through extensive CFD modeling and wind tunnel testing.
The SuperSlice's design is a radical departure from its predecessor. It boasts sculptural, deep-section tube shapes, a reprofiled, narrower head tube, a chunkier fork, and an optimized rear end and seat tube cutout. The integrated deep-section airfoil seatpost retains the same dimensions as the seat tube, improving compliance and aerodynamics. The seat clamp allows 45mm of fore-aft movement, offering a wide range of fit options.
One of the most intriguing features is the iconic SuperSlice pizza graphic on the underside of the downtube, adding a touch of personality to the bike's sleek design.
Performance and Specifications
The SuperSlice's performance is impressive, with a 10w yaw-weighted drag reduction at 50km/h over its predecessor. This is achieved through weight savings in the basebar, which offset any gains in the fork. As a result, a sub-9kg time-trial bike is easily achievable, depending on the build specifications.
The bike is compatible with electronic groupsets only and is available in black with contrasting Cannondale wordmark logos and Lab71 nomenclature. However, its price of $6,999 / £6,995 / €6,999 may be a barrier for some, especially considering the need to source additional components separately.
Controversy and Counterpoint
While the SuperSlice is a remarkable achievement, some may argue that its price and the need for additional components make it less accessible. Others might question whether the bike's performance gains are worth the investment. These differing opinions highlight the debate surrounding high-end time trial bikes and their place in the market.
What do you think? Is the SuperSlice a game-changer, or just another time trial bike in the crowded market? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
